Surface launching topedo tubes



Aug. 6, 1968 E. R. BETZOLD 3,395,670

SURFACE LAUNCHING TORPEDO TUBES Filed June 22, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR Edward R. Befzold BY 0 .hwwa

ATTORNEY Aug. 6, 1968 E. R. BETZOLD SURFACE LAUNCHING TORPEDO TUBES S Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 22, 1967 INVENTOR Edward R. Befzold Aug- 6, 1968 E. R. BETZOLD SURFACE LAUNCHING TORPEDO TUBES 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 22, 1967 INVENTOR Edward R. Befzold United States Patent 3,395,670 SURFACE LAUNCHING TOPEDO TUBES Edward R. Betzold, Minneapolis, Minn., assignor, by mesne assignments, to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy Filed June 22, 1967, Ser. No. 648,548 3 Claims. (Cl. 114238) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A restraining mechanism for positioning and maintaining a predetermined orientation of a torpedo within a torpedo tube comprises a plurality of pneumatically actuated restraining mechanism disposed along the length and about the periphery of a torpedo launching tube and projecting into the interior of the tube for the positioning within the tube of a normal sized torpedo or a torpedo of lesser overall diameter dimensions than the normal torpedo of maximum dimensions for which the torpedo tube is initially intended for use. The restraining mechanisms incorporate a plurality of pneumatically cont-rolled and spring and air operated devices for actuating a longitudinally moveable gear tooth type rack for concurrent rotation of a pinion gear engaged therewith which in turn is disposed to drive a feed screw of a traveling nut type device to provide radial positioning movement of a torpedo engaging pad within the interior of the torpedo tube.

Background of the invention The invention relates to a surface launching tube for submarine torpedoes. More particularly, the inventive concept is directed to adaptations of a p-re-existing torpedo tube of the character disclosed in US. Patent 3,106,905, which patent issued to John T. Gondek on Oct. 15, 1963. The service version of the torpedo tube of the aforementioned patent as initially designed and fabricated is intended for the launching of a tor-pedo, for example, of a maximum nominal diameter of 21 inches. The torpedo tube improvements of the instant invention facilitate handling the aforementioned size torpedoes as well as torpedoes of the wire guided type having a nominal diameter, for example, of 19 inches. More specifically, the invention relates to instrumentalities incorporated into the torpedo tube for handling and launching wire guided torpedoes, together with control and servo mechanisms for optimum utilization of these .instrumentalities whereby the torpedo tube in addition to providing multi sized torpedo launching facilities is well adapted for mounting through the transom of destroyer type vessels for adding a torpedo launching capability to such craft.

The instant invention is well adapted for conversion to existing torpedo tubes of the type disclosed in the aforementioned Gondek patent or for new construction of torpedo tubes wherein the incorporation therein of torpedo positioning devices provides for the torpedo, a high order of immunity from adverse vibrational influences to which the torpedo would otherwise be subjected during movement of the vessel both during transportation of the torpedo in the launching tube mounted thereon or during maneuvers of the vessel preparatory to torpedo launching. Additionally, the instant invention is well adapted for pneumatic type servo control wherein the pressurized fluid utilized to actuate and control the torpedo positioning elements in a fluid circuit system, is available for actuation of other servo mechanism type instrumentalities carried by the torpedo tube for the overall operation thereof, such for example, as the controls and actuators for the muzzle door of the launching tube.

The torpedo tube of the aforementioned Gondek patent is adapted for launching of conventional type torpedoes.

3,395,670 Patented Aug. 6, 1968 With the advent of wire guided torpedoes as used in submarine carried torpedo launchers, it has been found desirable to provide a shipboard capability for launching wire guided torpedoes from surface launching tubes. Adaptations have been made to the breach door mechanism of such launching tubes for payout of the guidance wire. The copending application entitled Torpedo Launching Tube Door, Ser. No. 649,429, filed June 23, 1967, by Edward I. Keenan, is directed to a disclosure of reeling mechanisms and breach door conversion structure for handling the guidance wire facilities of the aforementioned type torpedoes with a converted launching tube of the character of the structure of the instant invention.

Summary of the invention The instant invention is directed to an improved positioning and restraining mechanism of a nature to provide for the establishment and maintenance of a predetermined positional orientation of a torpedo within a torpedo tube from the time of tube loading substantially throughout the launching of a torpedo therefrom. The apparatus embodying the invention further provides a unique facility for launching of an undersized torpedo from a tube normally dimensioned for reception of a torpedo of a greater diametric dimension. The incorporation of the instrumentalities of the instant invention into pre-existing or newly manufactured launching tubes provides an improved torpedo launching capability for surface vessels.

The actuating servo system arrangements of the control devices for the torpedo locating mechanism preferrably are pneumatically controlled from the exterior of the launching tube and so disposed as to provide a desired degree of control over spring actuated positioning devices for pads disposed interiorly of the launching tube and adapted to engage, stabilize and provide shock and vibrational force immunity to a torpedo disposed within the launching tube. The mechanisms include a spring for initial pad movement and pneumatic pistons which function with a linear direction of movement to provide pad retraction movement. This actuation occurs by virtue of rack type linear motion-to-rotary motion translating devices actuated by the piston thereof, of a pinion carried by an actuating shaft which in turn carries a screw thread at the opposite end of the shaft thereof for additional translation devices for rotary-to-linear actuation of a torpedo engaging pad assembly. The pad assembly of a preferred embodiment of the invention is in the nature of a guided and rotationally restrained travelling nut which moves linearly in a radial direction relative to the inner periphery of the torpedo tube to engage and restrain at the external periphery thereof, the torpedo disposed within the torpedo tube.

It is a feature of the instant invention toprovide an improved torpedo tube locating and positional restraining mechanism for a torpedo, thereby providing immunity from adverse vibrational influences to which the torpedo would otherwise be subjected during transportation within the launching tube on a moving ship incident to launching maneuvers of the ship wherein continuous positional control of the orientation of the torpedo in a desired position within the launching tube is maintained at all times from initial loading thereof, throughout the cycle of launching movement of the torpedo within the tube and substantially until the torpedo has been discharged from the launching tube.

One object of the instant invention resides in the provision of an improved pneumatically actuated mechanism which provides for simultaneous control of actuation mechanisms for positioning the torpedo within the torpedo tube and for control during launching wherein the pneumatic fluid utilized for retraction actuation of the posi- 3 tioning mechanism is coordinated in a control circuit for actuation of the muzzle door of the torpedo tube and is further correlated with the fluid medium utilized for propulsion forces for ejection of the torpedo from the torpedo launching tube.

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of an improved actuating mechanism for maintaining the position of a torpedo within a torpedo launching mechanism and for locking and unlocking: the positioning mechanism respectively upon torpedo loading and for release during launching as well as prior to a reloading cycle for the torpedo to be fired during a subsequent cycle of operation and within the launching tube, which mechanisms are thereafter operable to position a subsequently loaded torpedo within the launching tube.

Another object resides in the provision of novel mechanisms for adaptation of a shipboard torpedo launching tube to reception of torpedoes of various different dimensions, thereby to provide greater versatility in the offensive capabilities of a naval vessel.

Oother objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Brief description of the drawings FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a torpedo launching tube incorporating a plurality of torpedo positioning mechanisms of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary pictorial view with portions broken away and in a section of the positioning mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view in elevation of a portion of the mechanism of FIG. 3, in its actuated or extended relation; and,

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation view of a portion of the structure of FIG. 3 in its retracted position.

Description of the preferred embodiment Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters are utilized to refer to like or similar elements throughout the several views, a torpedo positioning mechanisms is indicated generally at 10. The mechanism is of a character adapted for incorporation at a plurality of zones or longitudinally displaced points along and about the outer periphery of the torpedo tube 11 of the general character disclosed in the aforementioned Gondek patent. The tor-pedo tube 11 is modified or adapted as the case may be, to include pad mechanisms 12 which extend through the walls of the torpedo tube as indicated in phantom at 13 for engagement with a torpedo as disposed within the tube, prior to launching. The housing structure -14 of a conventional nature and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is contoured along one side thereof in an arcuate configuration for mounting as by bolts 15 which extend through bolt holes 16, FIG. 2, for engagement with the mating threaded bolt holes, not shown, on the exterior of the casing. The additional holes 17 are for dowel pins which function to transmit the circumferential load in the torpedo tube wall, caused by launching a torpedo, to the housing of the positioning mechanism in the area in which the tube wall has been penetrated for the pad mechanism 12 to extend.

The housing is provided with a plurality of cap elements 18 disposed to provide access to and a cover for the pad actuating shafts 46 which are disposed to extend transversely from positions along the length of the housing 14. The housing is also provided with a plurality of caps indicated at 19 for the flat end and at 21 for the spring housing end of the housing 14. These caps provide for access to, and insertion of, the rack carrying rods 22 and 23 which are actuated by the piston 24. The rod portion 23 is integral with the piston 24, while the rod portion 22 is attached thereto at assembly by an interlocking key and key slot connection disposed as indicated at 20.

A plurality of passages which are in fluid communication with ports for inletting and outletting pneumatic fluid under pressure for the actuation of the piston are disposed at 25 and 26. The inlet and outlet pipe lines 27 and 28 for one positioning device constitute the outlet and inlet lines, respectively, of the next one of the series respectively of positioning devices. As shown in FIG. 1 the inlet 27 for the left hand device is in effect the outlet from a device not shown but disposed on the opposite side of the torpedo tube, and the outlet 28 from the left hand as viewed in the figure or the rear right hand actuating device with respect to the torpedo tube 11 is connected as the inlet to the intermediate right hand side positioning device. The outlet from this intermediate positioning device indicated at 27 is the inlet for the intermediate left side actuator. The line 28 which extends between the last mentioned actuator and the forward left hand side positioning actuator is not shown. The outlet from the forward left hand side actuator is connected as the inlet to the forward right hand side actuator, as shown at the right end of the figure for the last of the series of series connected positioning devices. The outlet 29 from this positioning mechanism is connected as the inlet line to the muzzle door interlock actuating mechanism 30. The plurality of positioning mechanisms are thus disposed in pairs at three zones along the length of the torpedo tube, thereby comprising a group of six positioning mechanisms, the pneumatic connections of the circuit therefor being a series circuit to be described hereinafter in greater detail.

The six positioning devices or restraining mechanisms 10 are mounted three to each side of the tube and on the upper part of the torpedo tube 11. The mechanisms extend the restraining shoes or pad mechanisms 12 by virtue of spring pressure applied by spring 32 of FIG. 2.

The Teflon inserts 31 as carried by the shoes 12 press upon the torpedo to prevent lateral or vertical movement of the torpedo in the tube. When the tube is made ready for firing, pneumatic pressure applied through line 27 for example to port 25 actuates piston 24 to retract the restraining shoes 12. The restraining mechanism comprises the rack piston 24, two restraining screws 33 and the motion conversion devices interposed therebetween which are hereinafter described in greater detail.

Each screw 33 utilizes an Acme drive thread which terminates as a four-start thread at the outer end thereof. The screw 33 mates with a threaded hole in the pad or shoe mechanism 12. The restraining shoe 12 is essentially a rectangular bar with two threaded holes for the reception of the restraining screws 33 and with the aforementioned Tefion insert 31 dovetailed to the face that contacts the torpedo.

When the pneumatic pressurized fluid shifts the piston racks 22 and 23 to the right as shown in FIG. 2, the racks rotate the pinions 35 carried by the screws 33 to rotate the screws and retract the shoe from position wherein the pad 31 is in engagement with the torpedo. When the piston 24 is vented to atmosphere, the piston rack returns to the left under spring pressure and the shoe extends back to a position in adjacency with the next torpedo disposed within the tube. All of the restraining mechanisms are identical except for the aforementioned numbering of the inlet and outlet tube connections. The inlet port on the left hand mechanism is a line 28 not shown and the outlet is a line 27 aforementioned. The inlet line is connected with the control valve assembly indicated generally at 36. The inlet port on the aforementioned right hand mechanism is numbered as aforestated. With the selector valve, not shown, of the mechanism 36, which is substantially similar to the control valve mechanism of the Gondek patent, in either load or ready positions, pneumatic fluid under pressure enters the inlet port 25 behind the piston and overcomes the force of the piston spring 32. The piston and racks move to the right as shown in FIG. 2. When the O-ring retainer 34 has covered the O-ring and stop, the piston 24 continues to move until the racks have rotated the retaining screws, to retract the shoe and pads 12 completely. At that time, the piston land passes and therefore opens the outlet port 26. The pneumatic pressure behind the piston 24 then passes through the outlet port 26 of this first mechanism and goes on to the next mechanism in the series connected sequence. The process is repeated until all restraining mechanisms have been retracted. The sequence is as follows: From the selector valve 36 to the left rear, to the right rear, right center, left center, left front and right front. From the right front mechanism the circuit follows through conduit 29 to the aforementioned muzzle door interlock valve or mechanism.

Each restraining mechanism incorporates a check valve assembly 41, FIG. 2. The check valve is of a conventional nature and closes when the restraining mechanism is being retracted by virtue of the force of the pressurized fluid applied to the piston, thereby to force the pistons to operate in sequence. On the return stroke, however, when the pneumatic line is vented to atmosphere, this valve opens to allow the air to bleed off from the pistons in order that they may return the restraining shoes to the extended position independently by action of the springs 32 incorporated in each individual restraining mechanism.

The spring positioning mechanism incorporates a spring locating plate 38 which engages a cylindrical portion 39 of the outer terminal end of the rack 23. A stop rod 40 is disposed in the housing cap 21 and terminates in a threaded portion 42 which is provided with an Allen-type socket for threaded adjustment of the stop position therefor. The portion 39 of the piston 24 is thereby limited in its travel by engagement with the inner end of the stop rod 40. The outer end of the screw shafts are carried in ball bearing assemblies 43 which are positioned by the cap member 18, which additionally incorporates the screw 44 and dowel 45 arrangement for positioning the bearing race relative to the end of the shaft thereby to effect a thrust bearing relationship for the end of the shaft 46. The shafts 46 are also received in sleeve bearing elements 47 and 48, FIG. 3, at the opposite sides of the pinions 35.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a torpedo launching tube of the character described;

a plurality of retractable restraining and positioning mechanisms for a torpedo as carried within the torpedo launching tube and prior to launching thereof which mechanisms comprise,

a plurality of pad members for engagement with the torpedo,

a plurality of screw actuated mechanisms for providing linear movement of said pads,

a pinion carried on one portion of each of said screw actuated mechanisms, and

spring actuated means engaging each of said pinions for advancing said screw actuated mechanisms and the pads carried thereby into engagement with a torpedo.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further characterized by said last mentioned means being a pneumatically actuated piston means having a plurality of rack members operative'ly connected thereto and disposed to engage said pinion members for providing pneumatically controlled retraction of said pad members.

3. A torpedo tube of the character of claim 2 further comprising:

a plurality of positioning mechanism-s connected in a series fluid circuit whereby actuation of one positioning mechanism to a retracted position is accomplished prior to the actuation of each additional restraining mechanism and,

said mechanisms are disposed along the outer periphery of the launching tube with the screw actuating mechanisms for said pads extending through the walls of the launching tube.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,106,905 10/1963 Gondek 114-238 MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

T. M. BLIX, Assistant Examiner. 

